A video showing a shocking outburst by a South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) manager aboard a FlySafair flight has gone viral, leading to the woman being banned for life from the airline and sparking widespread condemnation.
@mzansiwilding #Flysafair DBN to CPT 26 December 2024 Boxing day staying true to it's name🔥
The incident, which occurred on Boxing Day, 26 December, on a flight from Durban to Cape Town, involved Nobuntu “Nobs” Mkhize, an SABC brand manager, engaging in a heated altercation with flight attendants and fellow passengers.
A passenger on FlySAFair was allegedly intoxicated on a flight and started a fight after they refused her more alcohol.
Cosatu | Boxing Day | Zimbabwe | Manchester | Zanu | Nabi | Makhadzi pic.twitter.com/4zJSftl19J
— Sanna (@LesNew5) December 27, 2024
Footage circulating on social media depicts Mkhize in a furious confrontation, her behaviour escalating from verbal abuse to physical aggression towards the flight crew. During the incident, she repeatedly invoked her association with the African National Congress (ANC), shouting, “You don’t even know who my father is, I’m an ANC b*tch,” further adding that the incident would be broadcast on SABC News.
This claim was swiftly refuted by the SABC, which issued a statement clarifying that SABC News operates with editorial independence and that news decisions are made solely within the newsroom, not influenced by non-editorial staff.
The SABC, in its statement, expressed regret over the incident and stated that it would be addressing Mkhize's conduct through its internal procedures.
"The SABC regrets this incident, and always encourages staff members to uphold the SABC values of respect and integrity in all their interactions," the statement read.
The statement also emphasised that "SABC News is guided by the Editorial Code and maintains its editorial independence, and the decisions pertaining to all news items are made in the Newsroom and not influenced by non-editorial staff members.”
"This passenger will be placed on our no-fly list and will not be welcome on future FlySafair flights," confirmed FlySafair's chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon.
Gordon strongly condemned Mkhize's behaviour, stating, "We condemn any behaviour of this nature. Flight attendants have a primary duty as safety officers and interfering with their duties is a criminal offence."
It ended it tears. pic.twitter.com/T4QcYvb3GR
— The General 💧 (@KingMntungwa) December 28, 2024
The incident has also drawn sharp criticism from the ANC itself, despite Mkhize's attempts to invoke the party's name. The ANC launched its own investigation into the matter, stating that regardless of her membership status, her behaviour was unacceptable and contrary to the party's principles.
"The ANC will not allow its name to be dragged through the mud by individuals who fail to uphold the dignity and decorum expected of all South Africans, let alone members of our organisation," the party declared in a statement.
The ANC further called for all South Africans, including its members, to maintain high levels of discipline and respect at all times.
Mkhize's actions have also sparked debate on social media regarding the conduct expected of individuals in positions of influence. The incident is particularly noteworthy given Mkhize's family background; she is the daughter of renowned anti-apartheid journalist Khaba Mkhize, a legacy that stands in stark contrast to her behaviour on the flight.
Adding another layer to the controversy, a social media post attributed to Mkhize offered a contrasting narrative, claiming she and her boyfriend were "attacked" and that legal action would be pursued.
This claim, however, has done little to diminish the widespread condemnation of her actions on the flight. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining respectful and responsible conduct in public, regardless of personal connections or affiliations.